The Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts offers movie fans many film options. Whether you’re interested in the latest blockbuster from Hollywood or the best in independent film from Sundance or Cannes, there’s a theater in Western Massachusetts for you.
Tower Theaters, 19 College St., South Hadley, MA.
Across the street from Mt. Holyoke College is Tower Theaters, a locally-owned and operated first-run cinema. Tower Theater has only two screens, with limited seating. Rather than feeling cramped, the theater harkens back to the old-time theaters of a by-gone time. The cozy feeling does not mean that Tower Theaters lacks quality; these fully modern facilities can handle 3-D movies, but at a lower cost than you’ll find at a large multiplex. Tower Theater also boasts the only local showing of the cult hit, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. On the first Saturday of every month, the Come Again Players, a live shadow-cast, act out the movie during the show and offer pre-show entertainment. Tickets are $8.50 for adults, $6.75 for matinees. Children under 11, seniors over 65, and military members and students with ID are only $7.50.
Agawam Family Cinemas, 866 Suffield St., Agawam, MA.
Miss a movie this summer that you really wanted to see? Or maybe you want to see a favorite again, but it’s gone from the big multiplex? The Agawam Family Cinemas offers second-run movies on two screens. Unlike Tower Theater, this one looks and feels old. But on the plus side, every row of seats has a handy shelf in front for your soda and popcorn. And they make the most of their two screens by offering one screening of four movies most every night. But best of all is the price. Tickets are only $5.00, all ages, all shows.
Amherst Cinema , 28 Amity St., Amherst, MA and Pleasant Street Theater, 27 Pleasant St., Northampton, MA.
These two theaters are operated by the same non-profit organization, the Amherst Cinema Arts Center. Between the two, they offer the best in independent film to viewers. Both theaters are local legends. The original Amherst Cinema, built in 1879, closed in 1999 after years of mismanagement and neglect. A non-profit was born to save the building from auction. Amherst Cinema Arts opened their new building in 2006, and the reborn theater immediately reclaimed its lost stature in the community. Pleasant Street Theater almost closed in 2007, after more than 30 years of independently run excellence. Donors raised $130,000 to save the theater from closure, covering costs of renovations and upgrades. Pleasant Street Theater offers two screens, while Amherst Cinema has three. Assistive hearing equipment is available in both theaters, but wheelchair visitors are advised to call ahead to Pleasant Street Theater, as one of their screens (“The Little Theater”) is in the basement and not wheelchair accessible. Tickets are $8.75 for adults, $7.75 for seniors over 65 and students with ID. Matinees are $1 less each. Amherst Cinema Arts Center also offers a yearly membership, further dropping the price to $6.50 and only $5.50 for matinees. Other benefits include free soda and popcorn, guest privileges and other perks, depending on membership level.